Scaffolding system for roofs

ABSTRACT

The present invention consists of a scaffolding system ( 1 ) which is intended for use when working on the roof ( 2 ) of a building ( 3 ). The scaffolding system ( 1 ) is comprised of at least one roof scaffold ( 4 ) intended to be positioned relative to the roof with at least one supporting structure ( 5 ) comprised of at least one first set of supporting members ( 11 ), at least one second set of supporting members ( 12 ) and at least one third set of supporting members ( 13 ). Unique to the present invention is that the roof scaffold ( 4 ) is comprised of elongated parts ( 9 ) which run essentially in the roofs direction of slope and crosswise members ( 10 ), said roof scaffold ( 4 ) positioned at a distance from the roofs ( 2 ) surface, which permits objects such as roofing sheet to be moved in the space between the roof scaffold ( 4 ) and the roofs ( 2 ) surface, and that the scaffolding system ( 1 ) includes at least one conveying device ( 6 ) by which materials such as roofing sheet ( 27 ), other objects and the like may be moved up to the roof ( 2 ) and down from the roof on at least one inclined (sloping) plane ( 20 ) connected to the roof ( 2 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a scaffolding system for roofs and a method for using the scaffolding system when working on roofs, in accordance with the claims.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of different types of problems in connection with work on roofs. Firstly, work is performed at a height which poses a significant risk for persons if they fall off the roof with considerable danger of serious injury or in the worst case death from injuries sustained from a fall. In addition to the fall hazard for a person working on the roof, there is also a risk of tools and objects falling down and hurting people or objects on the ground in the area of the workplace. In order to reduce the risk of injury to persons and property in connection with work on roofs, a number of devices such as protective coverings, safety nets and the like have been developed. None however was found to include the corresponding advantages of the present invention.

Secondly, work on rooftops entail unsuitable postures of the persons doing the work. After a long period of work on roofs, postures may lead to adverse physical impacts, wear and tear injuries and the like, on the person doing the work. On pitched roofs, it is for example commonplace for the person performing the work to always have a stooped posture in order to have proper balance, which may be strenuous for the back and various body joints. An unfavorable working posture also results in problems with the working person getting tired more quickly than during a normal working posture, which may lead to the risk of accidents increasing and work efficiency declining.

Thirdly, persons walking on the roof, or the scaffolding used to walk on, may under certain circumstances damage parts of the roof when work is performed. Most scaffolding is not for example designed for work on the roof and may therefore be difficult to manage in such situations.

An additional problem when working on roofs, is that objects such as roofing sheet is large and may catch a lot of wind, which means that it may be difficult to move these from the ground up to the roof. This problem may be so severe that it may be necessary to cancel work on roofs and the like even during moderate wind conditions.

With present means it may be difficult to move roofing sheet and the like up to the roof and even further onto the roof. When installing roofing sheet, it is often important not to damage the sheet coating which provides it with resistance to weathering. It is therefore important to carry/move each roofing sheet piece gently from the ground to the place on the roof where it is supposed to be laid without the pieces being scratched, dented or otherwise damaged. Damage to the roofing sheet causes problems such as shortened life, imperfections and in the worst case it must be discarded and replaced with a new piece of roofing sheet. Given the above problems, there is a clear need for better scaffolding systems when working on roofs.

PRIOR ART

Equipment for facilitating work on roofs and the like are previously known. For example, in US2007062761 a variant of roof scaffolding which is intended to be placed on a roof is described. The design differs in a significant manner from the present invention's design. For example, it does not solve the problem of moving roofing sheet and the like up to the roof in a simple and effective way.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,633 discloses a scaffolding system intended for use on the roof of a building. The roof scaffolding is further intended to be positioned relative to at least one supporting structure. The design includes a first set of supporting members, at least a second set of the supporting members and a third set of supporting members. The design comprises a conveying device for roofing materials. The conveying device's movement is vertical and not along an inclined (sloping) plane. The design lacks, however, a shuttle with which roofing sheet may be moved along an inclined plane to the roof. The design further lacks quick release fasteners with which roofing sheet may be secured to the shuttle.

Even JP10131444 describes a variant of roof scaffolding which in large is designed as a ladder. The design differs from the present invention's design since it does not include a function to lift roofing sheet and the like up to the roof.

CA2098905 also describes a variant of roof scaffolding. The design even includes a function that allows the part of the device that extends over the roof apex to be adjusted according to the slope of the roof. The design differs from the design of the present invention since it does not include a function to lift roofing sheet and the like up to the roof.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,646 discloses a variant of roof scaffolding for use when working on the roof. The design differs from the present invention's design. For example, the design does not include a function with which roofing sheet or the like may be easily transported up to the roof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference, and references to the following figures will occur. These are outlined in the following figure list. The figures in the exemplifying embodiments are not limiting for the scope of the present patent application. Note that the figures are schematic and details may thus be omitted therein.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present patent application as seen in perspective from above.

FIG. 2 shows the present system, viewed from the side in the direction of the roof apex (the roof's longitudinal direction).

FIG. 3 shows the present system, viewed from the side in the roof's transverse direction.

FIG. 4 shows a partial view of the present system, viewed from the side.

FIG. 5 shows a partial view comprising the control device in the form of a winch.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplifying embodiment of the shuttle included in the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a first alternative embodiment of the present scaffolding system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, a scaffolding system 1 that for example facilitates and optimizes work on roofs 2 of buildings 3 (the figures show a building 3), in accordance with the present patent application, is shown. The scaffolding system 1 may preferably be used when working with laying or maintaining roofs such as roofing sheet and the like.

The system 1 includes at least one first roof scaffold 4, and at least one first supporting structure 5 with which the roof scaffold 4 is positioned and supported in relation to the roof, the building and, where appropriate, the ground. The roof scaffold is positioned at a distance from the roof, which for example allows roofing sheet to be conveyed (moved) between the roof scaffold and the roof along the area of the roof. The distance between the roof and the scaffolding is adjustably arranged to a maximum of 300 mm according to the thickness of the roofing sheet or other objects such as building components, equipment, tools and the like that are to be conveyed. The system 1 further includes at least one conveying device 6 with which a movement of materials as, for example, tools, components, and the like may be carried out up to the roof and where appropriate down from the roof.

The roof scaffold 4 is comprised of at least one first roof scaffolding part 7 which is intended to cover all or a part or parts of the roof's 2 surface. In the embodiment exemplified in the figures, the roof scaffold 4 includes at least one first scaffolding part 7 placed on one side of the roof and at least one second scaffolding part 8, shown in FIG. 7, which is placed on the other side of the roof 2. The roof scaffolding part 8 is also intended to cover all or a part or parts of the roof's 2 surface. If the roof scaffolding parts 7 and 8 do not cover the entire roof surface they may be moved along the remaining surface as needed until work is completed. Each scaffolding part 7 and 8 includes elongated parts 9 which extend in the roof's direction of slope, depending on the size of the roof and the user's preferences two or more elongated parts may be used. Each scaffolding part 7 and 8 further includes crosswise members 10, rungs, which extend between two or more elongated parts 9. The crosswise members 10 are preferably connected together with two or more elongated parts 9.

The roof scaffold 4 is positioned relative to the roof 2 and is supported relative to the roof, the building and the ground with at least one first supporting structure 5. The first supporting structure 5 is comprised of at least one first variant and set of supporting members 11 which support and position the roof scaffold 4 against the building and the ground. In the exemplifying embodiment of the present scaffolding system 1, the supporting structure 5 includes at least one first variant and set of supporting members 11, at least one second variant and set of supporting members 12 and at least one third variant and set of supporting members 13. In alternative embodiments, additional sets of supporting members may occur.

In the exemplifying embodiment of the present scaffolding system 1, the first variant and set of supporting members 11 is preferably intended to be connected to one edge of the roof scaffold 4 (or the edge's proximity). The first supporting member 11 in the exemplifying embodiment is comprised of legs 14, or the like, which at its one end is connected to the roof scaffold 4 and at its other end is intended to rest against a supporting device 15. The supporting device may be comprised of at least one building scaffolding 15 or the like. The length of the legs 14 as well as the sets of supporting members 12, 13 are preferably adjustably arranged. The adjustability of the length of the leg 14 as well as the sets of supporting members 12, 13 may be incremental or non-incremental (stepless) up to maximum of 300 mm. The adjustability may be achieved by each respective leg 14 being comprised of at least one first pipe (tube), profile or the like and one second pipe (tube), profile or the like in which one pipe (tube), profile or the like, is insertable into the second pipe (tube), profile or the like. By the mutual positions of the leg's first pipe and second pipe being able to be adjusted and lockable in different relative positions, the leg's 14 length may be varied.

In the shown embodiment, the supporting structure 5 includes at least one first building scaffolding 15 located on one side of the building and at least one second building scaffolding positioned on the other side of the building. The building scaffolding's 15 design consists of previously known types of designs which are suitable for the purpose. The building scaffolding design may thus vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. In the shown embodiment the roof scaffold's 4 legs 14 are supported against for example a plane in the supporting device 15 such as for example a building scaffolding. In alternative embodiments, the supporting device 15 may be of any type of scaffolding or mounting connected to at least one of the walls of the building. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the supporting device 15 consists of any other suitable device for this purpose or design. The number of supporting members in the first set of supporting members 11 may vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application.

In the exemplifying embodiment of the present scaffolding system 1, the supporting members in the second variant and set of supporting members 12 are preferably intended to be connected to the roof apex 16 or in the vicinity of roof apex. FIG. 1 to 5 show how the supporting members are positioned adjacent to the roof apex. FIG. 1 to 5 also show how the second set of support members 12 also have a function to temporarily fix the roof scaffold adjacent to the roof apex or the roof apex's proximity. The number of supporting members in the second set of supporting members 12 may vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application.

In the exemplifying embodiment of the present scaffolding system 1, the system also includes at least one third variant and set of supporting members 13 that are connected to the roof scaffold 4, which supports the roof scaffold 4 against the roof at positions between the edge of the roof and the roof apex 16. Preferably, the supporting members 13 include at least one spacer 17 which is connected to a foot 18, bracket or similar, which is intended to be connected to a batten or the like on the roof. In alternative embodiments, the foot may be connected to another suitable for the purpose detail, or part, included in the roof. The number of supporting members in the third set of supporting members 13 may vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application.

In alternative embodiments, additional variants of supporting members and sets of supporting members for the roof scaffold 4 may occur. The design of these additional sets of supporting members and the supporting members' number in each set of supporting members may vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application. When referring to a set of supporting members it is usually meant two or more supporting members. In alternative embodiments of supporting members, however, a set of supporting members may mean one unit of supporting members.

Unique to the present scaffolding system 1 is that it includes at least one conveying device 6 for moving materials, such as for example, tools, components and the like up to the roof and where applicable down from the roof. In the present design, the conveying device 6 consists of at least one shuttle (a holding or securing member, or the like) 19. The shuttle 19 is moved during a change in position up or down at least one inclined (sloping) plane 20. The inclined (sloping) plane may consist of several different parts which may be angled relative to each other. The inclined plane connects to the roof at its lower edge, preferably at the height of the roof's edge, or slightly higher. The inclined plane may be comprised of at least one bracket, or the like, with which the inclined (sloped) plane is temporarily connected to the edge of the roof, gutter, a combination thereof, or at least of one other for the purpose suitable positions on the building. The shuttle 19 may be moved in a sliding manner on the underlying surface. In alternative embodiments, the shuttle may, for example, be moved along at least a conveyor belt 21 or similar structure. The shuttle 19 is operated up and/or down along the inclined plane 20 with at least one maneuvering device 22 hoist, block and tackle or the like. The maneuvering device includes at least one wire 23, cable, line or similar which in its one end 24 is connected to the shuttle 19. In the exemplifying embodiment the wire 23 runs over at least one pulley wheel 25, barring wheel, sheave or the like, connected to the roof scaffold to a position on the roof. The maneuvering device 22 such as hoist, block and tackle or the like preferably includes an anti-reverse which during movement of the shuttle in a direction up along the inclined plane prevents the shuttle 19 from undesirably sliding down the inclined plane. The other end 26 of the wire 23 is used for example to operate the hoist (block and tackle) and the shuttle by hand. Alternatively, the maneuvering device 22 may consist off a winch (not shown in the figures) or the like with which the shuttle 19 may be moved up and/or down the inclined plane 20.

The shuttle's 19 design may vary within the scope of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the shuttle 19 is intended to be used to move one or more roofing sheets 27 or other flat-shaped roofing material, up to the roof. In order to connect the shuttle 19 to a sheet 27, the shuttle includes at least two quick release fasteners 28 with which the sheet may be temporarily fastened to the shuttle 19. The quick release fastener 28 may consist of a lever type of device such as shown in FIG. 6. The lever may include a gripping (holding) device that clamps the roofing sheet 27 or other objects to the shuttle 19, securing the item to be conveyed. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the shuttle 19 includes at least one third quick release fastener 28 or the like. The quick release fastener 28 may also be of another for the purpose suitable type.

The system 1, in an alternative embodiment, includes a variant of a storage compartment 29, such as a box 29 or the like, in which tools and other items may be placed and temporarily stored. The design of the box 29 may vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application. The box 29 may be connected to one or more crosswise members 10 and is intended to be moved along the crosswise members' longitudinal direction in substantially the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the box 29 may be moved in another, suitable for the purpose, manner and direction.

The system 1 may also include at least one protective scaffolding (safety arrangement) (not shown in the figures) which for example is connected to one or more edges of the roof, or alternatively to the edge of the roof scaffold near the edge of the roof. This protective scaffolding is intended to prevent people from falling down from the roof to the ground.

In embodiments with multiple roof scaffold sections, such as for example is shown in the exemplifying figures, the present system 1 includes a function with which the angle between roof scaffold's 4, first part 7 (elongated parts 9) on one side of the roof and the roof scaffold's 4 second part 8 (the elongated parts 9) on the other side of the roof may be adjusted. The design is comprised of variants of the rungs. The angle between the roof scaffold's first part 7 and the roof scaffold's second part 8 may be adjusted in several different ways. The adjustable function (feature) allows the roof scaffold 4 to be adapted to different types of buildings with different types of roofs and roof angles (slopes). The design allows the roof scaffold 4 to be easily moved from one roof to another roof.

When using the present system 1, it is connected (positioned and supported) to at least one first building scaffolding on at least one side of the roof. In an alternative embodiments the present system 1 may be connected to at least one second building scaffolding that is connected to at least one other side of the building. After the building scaffolding have been positioned (placed) on each side of the roof, the roof scaffold's included components are moved up to the roof and assembled. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the roof scaffold 4 is assembled on the ground or the like and is moved up to the roof by a lifting device such as a crane or the like. During the movement of sheet 27 up to the roof, it is secured to the shuttle 19 and is moved along the inclined (sloping) plane 20 up to the roof 2.

In the detailed description of the present invention, design details and certain methods may have been omitted which are apparent to persons skilled in the field to which the method and the device relates. Such obvious details of design and method are included to the extent necessary so that a proper function is achieved for the present method and device.

Even if certain preferred embodiments have been shown in more detail, variations and modifications of the device may become apparent to those skilled in the field the invention relates to. All such modifications and variations are considered to fall within the scope of the accompanying claims. In alternative embodiments, for example, the roof scaffold 4 may be supported by a further building scaffolding or similar included in the supporting structure 5. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the present invention be considered as a method for using the system 1.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention achieves a number of advantages. The most obvious is that a more efficient system to do work on roofs is obtained. A further purpose of the present patent application is to create a system that reduces the risk of users falling down from the roof. A still further purpose of the present patent application is to create a system which reduces damages caused by working on the roof. Yet another purpose of the present design is to reduce the risk of damage to roofing sheet or other objects that are conveyed up to the roof. 

1. A scaffolding system (1) comprising, in combination: at least one roof scaffold (4) including elongated parts (9) positionable in a first direction along a slope of a roof (2) of a building (3), the roof having a surface, the at least one roof scaffold including crosswise members (10) positionable in a second direction transverse to the first direction, the crosswise members adapted intended to be connected to the elongated parts (9), the roof scaffold (4) having at least one supporting structure (5), the supporting structure including supporting members, the supporting members including at least one first set of supporting members (11), at least one second set of supporting members (12) and at least one third set of supporting members (13), at least one conveying device (6) for moving material(27), up to the roof (2) and down from the roof on at least one inclined plane (20), the conveying device being connected to a recipient surface chosen from the class of recipient surfaces including a roof and a roof scaffold, the conveying device positionable with the supporting structure (5) at a distance from the surface of the roof thereby forming a space between the roof scaffold (4) and the surface of the roof (2) allowing the material to be moved into the space
 2. The scaffolding system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the conveying device (6) is a shuttle (19) and the material is roofing sheet (27); and wherein the shuttle is adapted to transport the roofing sheet (27) on the inclined plane (20) from the ground to the roof (2).
 3. The scaffolding system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the shuttle includes at least two quick release fasteners adapted to secure the roofing sheet to the shuttle (19).
 4. The scaffolding system (1) as set forth in claim 1 wherein the conveying device (6) is a hand operated maneuvering device (22), selected from the class of hand operated maneuvering devices including a hoist and a crane.
 5. The scaffolding system (1) as set forth in claim 1 wherein one of the supporting members includes a leg (14) couplable to a supporting device (15).
 6. The scaffolding system (1) as set forth in claim 5 wherein the supporting device (15) is a building scaffolding.
 7. The scaffolding system (1) as set forth in claim 1 wherein the system (1) includes a storage compartment (29), for temporary storage of objects, the storage compartment adapted to be run over and along the roof scaffold's (4) elongated parts (9).
 8. The scaffolding system (1) as set forth in claim 1 wherein the scaffolding system (1) includes at least one protective cover adapted to be connected to an edge of the recipient surface.
 9. The scaffolding system (1) as set forth in claim 1 wherein the inclined plane (20) includes at least one bracket adapted to connect the inclined plane to the recipient surface at a height lower than a lower extent of the recipient surface.
 10. The scaffolding system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the supporting members (12) are adapted to be connected to an apex (16) of the roof. 